Divergent Interests Research Articles

The Geopolitical Implications of Taiwan-China Relations on Regional Security

Introduction: China and Taiwan is fraught with tension as Taiwan seeks to maintain its autonomy against China's growing power. This relationship is a critical flashpoint in East Asia, with conflicting sovereignty claims hindering diplomatic progress. To manage this situation, it is essential to understand its complexities and avoid provoking Beijing, allowing time for future generations to reassess the relationship. Methodology: The objective of this research is to investigate particular issue regarding China and Taiwan within the realm of political science by utilizing secondary data. The review encompasses a variety of primary and secondary sources, including articles, books, journals, and pertinent online data. The objective of this literature evaluation is to discern deficiencies, regularities, and tendencies in the current research pertaining to the subject matter. Results/ Findings: The China-Taiwan relationship is characterized by political instability, divergent interests, and historical tensions, fueled by linguistic, ethnic, religious, and political disparities. The Taiwan Strait symbolizes the enduring animosity between the two, complicating reconciliation efforts. Regional security concerns are exacerbated by China's actions in the South China Sea, necessitating responses from stakeholders like the US, Japan, and South Korea. Taiwan's geopolitical importance, economic strength, technological advancements, and military capabilities underscore its significance in regional security and global trade. Future Direction/ Implication: The future of China-Taiwan relations relies on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue. Prioritizing stability and peaceful dispute resolution is crucial amid regional security concerns, with implications extending beyond the Taiwan Strait to influence global geopolitics.

Ecological and landscape-forming role of saigas of the Ural population in modern conditions

This article into the intricate biology and ecology of the Ural saiga (Saiga tatarica) population, offering a comprehensive update on its current status and dynamics. Drawing upon extensive field studies conducted at various key locations including lambing sites, and summer and winter habitats, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving relationship between saiga and agriculture. One of the primary focuses lives in assessing the landscape-modifying impact of saiga within contemporary environments. By examining the role of saiga in shaping local ecosystems, the study sheds light on the intricate interplay between these magnificent animals and the agricultural activities that often encroach upon their habitats. A significant aspect addressed in this research is the conflict of interests arising between the burgeoning Ural saiga population and agricultural practices. This conflict tends to intensify during periods of population peaks, posing challenges for both conservation efforts and the agricultural development. To mitigate these conflicts and pave the way for sustainable coexistence, the study puts forward preliminary measures for resolution. These measures are designed to reconcile the divergent interests of saiga conservation and agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the research identifies potential pathways for integrating the growing saiga population harmoniously into modern agricultural landscapes. By exploring innovative approaches and collaborative strategies, the study seeks to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between saiga conservation and agricultural sustainability. Overall, this article serves as a vital resource for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders invested in the preservation of the Ural saiga population and the cultivation of sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Региональная безопасность в Арктике. Роль РФ и КНР в её укреплении

The authors examine the problems of cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic, which is becoming an important factor in international relations. Despite the coinciding and divergent interests of the Russian Federation and China in the Arctic, the two states are extremely interested in managing regional security in this region. The object of the study is Russian-Chinese relations in the process of strengthening regional security in the Arctic. The subject is the peculiarities of Russian-Chinese interaction in strengthening regional security in the Arctic. The purpose of the study is to identify contradictions in the Arctic policies of the two countries that will not prevent them from fruitfully co-operating in Arctic development and protecting their national interests. The main research objectives are: to study Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic; to identify new opportunities for Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic; to analyze threats and challenges to Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic. As a result of the research, the authors identify the main ways and forms of strengthening this security, emphasizing the strengthening of its military-strategic component. The authors’ main conclusion is that some contradictions in the Arctic policy of the two countries do not prevent them from fruitful co-operation in the development of the Arctic and the protection of their national interests. Strengthening traditional and non-traditional security in the Arctic is dictated by the need to assert the principle of freedom of navigation, which China insists on. Although the practical implementation of this principle is still far off, it will remain purely theoretical for a long time. However, different interpretations of international legal instruments governing the Arctic policy of states have led to misunderstandings, concerns and disagreements between the two states.

Criminal liability of practitioners. Patient consent as a justification ?

The medical world brings together the divergent interests of healthcare professionals and patients, and a balance between the two is always necessary to establish and maintain a relationship of trust and to ensure that the healthcare system functions properly. Conflicts do arise, however, particularly when patients feel that their rights have not been respected by health professionals, in which case the latter may be held liable, particularly under criminal law. However, there are justifications that practitioners can use to avoid any liability : in particular, the patient's consent, and it is up to the professional to prove this.

How Iran Perceives Turkey’s Rise in the South Caucasus

As the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus continues to evolve, multiple divergent interests are bringing new dynamics into the Iran-Turkey relations. The article explores Iran’s changing perceptions concerning the South Caucasus in general and Turkey’s assertive geopolitical activism in the region, in particular. The authors argue that, given Turkey’s increasing influence in the South Caucasus and Iran’s decreasing footprint in the region, the current geopolitical and geo-economic trends are likely to bring more conflict into the Iran-Turkey regional rivalry. Tehran is apprehensive of several key insecurities stemming from Ankara’s growing activism in the South Caucasus. Apart from historical disagreements between Iran and Turkey over the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the East-West transit corridors and pan-Turkism in a bigger picture, Tehran perceives the underlying developments in the region as part of the West’s “geopolitical plot” of containing Iran, in which Turkey plays a strategic role. Consequently, the South Caucasus is increasingly becoming an additional source of regional confrontation between Iran and Turkey.

Assessing decentralized groundwater governance performance in the lower Mekong region: The case of Khon Kaen province, Thailand

Decentralized groundwater management has been implemented in various forms in the Lower Mekong Region (LMR) aiming to improve the sustainability and equity of groundwater (GW) management. However, fragmented implementation and unclear delegation of responsibilities have hindered the success of these approaches. The Royal Thai government has been a pioneer in introducing comprehensive groundwater policies and has implemented formal measures for GW management for over five decades, including the decentralized GW management model introduced in 2011. This study examined the performance of GW governance (GWG) in the LMR through the case of Khon Kaen province, Thailand, and using the OECD water framework with contextualized indicators. Sen's slope estimation and the Mann-Kendal test were also utilized to look into the patterns of groundwater extraction data in the study area from 2000 to 2019 in relation to the policy timeline analysis.The findings revealed a significant increase in GW extraction for business usage after the implementation of decentralization, driven by urbanization, and economic and tourist development. The research also found that the rise of new water actors with divergent interests, marginalization, the absence of non-governmental actors, and a lack of scientific and technical capacities prevent the effective GWG. However, the study discovered that the majority of GWG principles are favorably related to one another, with regulatory frameworks, defined roles and duties, and coherent policy being closely associated with most GWG principles. On the other hand, trade-offs across sectors and users were seen to have a detrimental effect on other GWG principles. The findings contribute to evolving the GWG Theory of Change (TOC), centering on GW users. This challenges the conventional idea of addressing water shortage solely through increased infrastructure, emphasizes institutional pluralism and scientific evidence for market-based mechanisms, and addresses GW use disparities.

Turkish-Israeli relations under AKP rule

ABSTRACT Turkey was the first Muslim state to recognise Israel in 1949. While Israeli-Turkish relations have been characterised by ups and downs, mainly due to the Palestinian issue, they reached an all-time low under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule. Yet, it was not until 2009 that bilateral relations started to deteriorate. Operation Cast Lead marked a turning point in bilateral relations, followed by a series of crisis: the ‘One Minute crisis’, the ‘Lower Sofa crisis’, and the Mavi Marmara flotilla crisis. With both sides’ agreement to restore full diplomatic relations following Israel’s President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Turkey in March 2022, the normalisation process in bilateral relations gained pace, only to go into a swift decline yet again following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. This article analyses the focal events and dynamics that led to the deterioration and normalisation of bilateral relations under the AKP’s rule. It shows that in addition to the Palestinian issue, the AKP’s foreign policy vision and both states’ divergent security interests created a conducive environment for the deterioration of bilateral relations.

The G20 Presidency of India in 2023: Achievements, Challenges, and Implications

The G20, a forum of major economies, plays a pivotal role in shaping global governance and responding to pressing global challenges. India, as the presidency holder in 2023, assumed a significant leadership role in steering the group's agenda. This research paper aims to analyse the achievements, challenges, and implications of India's G20 presidency in 2023.The main objectives of this study are to assess India's priorities and initiatives during its G20 presidency, evaluate the notable accomplishments, examine the challenges faced, and discuss the implications for global governance. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of official G20 documents, analysis of India's policy statements, and interviews with key stakeholders. Our findings reveal that India's G20 presidency in 2023 made significant strides in various areas, including sustainable development, economic cooperation, and climate change mitigation. Notably, India championed initiatives focused on inclusive growth, digital governance, and sustainable infrastructure development. However, challenges such as divergent interests among member states and external pressures posed obstacles to the realization of certain goals. The impact of India's presidency on the G20's role in global governance and international relations is substantial. India's leadership provided impetus to ongoing discussions on crucial issues, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. The presidency also shed light on the evolving dynamics of the G20 as it navigated complex geopolitical realities. India's G20 presidency in 2023 marked a notable chapter in the organization's history. While achieving significant milestones, it also faced challenges that underscored the complexities of global governance. The implications of India's leadership extend beyond the presidency year, shaping the G20's role in addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.

Enhancing Cooperation for Interconnected Regional Security: Central Asian Countries and Afghanistan

Objectives: This article aims to delve into the evolving dynamics of cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, particularly within the context of interconnected regional security challenges. The strategic significance of Central Asia as a crossroads of major geopolitical and economic interests sets the stage for understanding the transformations in this region, especially following the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan.
 
 Methods: To achieve the stated objectives, the article employs a multifaceted approach. It begins by examining the historical context of Central Asia's relationship with Afghanistan, tracing the developments to the post-withdrawal era. The analysis encompasses shared security concerns, potential spillover effects of instability, and the rise of extremism. The research emphasizes the significance of regional cooperation as a viable mechanism to address common threats and foster stability.
 
 Results: The findings of this study shed light on the key drivers and impediments to cooperation in the Central Asian region. Historical rivalries, border disputes, and divergent interests among regional actors are thoroughly analyzed. The existing cooperative frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), are scrutinized, and the role of external stakeholders, including major powers and international organizations, is examined in supporting and facilitating regional cooperation.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the article synthesizes the analysis by outlining potential areas of cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. It highlights crucial areas such as border security, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts, trade, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. Emphasizing the need for trust-building measures, diplomatic dialogue, and mutual understanding, the conclusion underscores the importance of these elements for the successful implementation of cooperative initiatives. Overall, this article makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discourse on regional security in Central Asia and Afghanistan, providing a foundation for further research and policy discussions aimed at fostering a sustainable and resilient security architecture in the region.

The Role of Tourism in Sustainable Development Within Local-Global Dynamics

Divergent priorities, interests, and agendas among local and global communities form the core of the conservation versus development debate. The intricate challenges facing humanity in the 21st century demand a more comprehensive approach to analyzing issues and exploring alternative solutions. This article aims to integrate tourism, a burgeoning service industry, into the local???global and conservation???development nexus. It posits tourism as a mutually acceptable common ground for both local and global communities in the conservation and development agenda. Furthermore, this article presents a model illustrating how tourism can serve as a tool for sustainable development.

Racialized Organizations and the Interest Divergence Dilemma1

This essay makes three points on the contemporary racial backlashes' impact on racialized organizations. First, Derrick Bell's notion of interest convergence—which argues that diversity policies did not spring from the goodness of white people's hearts but were a face‐saving political necessity—helps to explain why the current assault on racially ameliorative policy has been so effective and why the retreat from diversity may worsen. Conservative activists are attempting to force interest divergence, as the historical conditions leading to affirmative action and diversity policy have disappeared. Second, Powell's decision in Regents of University of California versus Bakke, which made diversity orthodox, was facilitated by interest convergence. Diversity emerged as a deeply reformist organizational strategy designed to manage civil rights activists' revolutionary calls for a fully inclusive society. Third, interest divergence and the retreat from diversity have major implications for deepening racial inequality in organizations. By attempting to ensure interest divergence, contemporary right‐wing movements hope to make the currently implicit white dominance of mainstream organizations (Ray 2019b) explicit again.

Konsens und Konflikt in einem Machtmodell von Planung

Planning in pluralistic societies implies to propose measurements in situations of dissent and unsolved conflicts. Insofar it is congruent with the domain of politics, inclusive the involvement in the network of effects on existing or awakened, mostly divergent interests. In the resulting case of conflict, their respective representatives try to influence the plan – by their arguments in a rational discourse and by means of power. However, argumentation itself turns out to be a mean of power: As their agents try to push through themselves against resistance, they definitively enter the mechanisms of power acting. Following these considerations, a power model of planning is developed, with its logical structure, its calculi, means and instruments, as it is embedded in its societal conditions, with its ethical positions and including trials to hinder its misuse by procedures.

Stakeholders analysis and engagement to address water-ecosystems-food Nexus challenges in Mediterranean environments: a case study in Italy

The Water-ecosystems-food Nexus is a powerful framework developed for analyzing complex interlinkages among natural resource domains and overcoming "siloed" management practices. Multi-actor participatory approaches are increasingly recognized in Nexus research as the most effective way to identify trade-off solutions between divergent interests. Despite this acknowledged potential, the active engagement of stakeholders for the co-creation of knowledge is still limited to date, missing the opportunity for innovation processes and policy designs to be grounded in context-specific knowledge and experiences. This paper outlines the methodological framework developed to integrate stakeholder analysis and participatory tools for exploring Nexus challenges in a pilot area in Tarquinia, Italy, where a multi-stakeholder group was set up encompassing several categories at different levels, from policymakers and authorities to farmers and other end users. Systematic methodologies to target, analyze, and actively engage stakeholders were applied and multi-domain participatory tools were developed, i.e., stakeholder analysis and mapping, learning and action alliance, participatory system dynamic modelling, which broaden the agreement on potential locally-tailored solutions for sustainable farming practices and integrated management of natural resources. Mutual learning activities, tapping into actors' deep understanding of specific local dynamics, served to better frame the complexity of the Nexus and build a common understanding of local societal challenges as well as of potential innovations in farming practices, land, and water management. The methodological innovation of integrating stakeholder mapping and analysis with relevant spatial information from participatory activities, provides the fundamental baseline for spatially explicit scenario analysis in the area, ultimately increasing the relevance and transferability of the Nexus findings.

The War in Ukraine and Arab Gulf States’ Foreign Policy Shifts

Abstract This paper discusses geopolitical shifts in the international order with regard to divergent perceptions and interests on the war in Ukraine between western states and the Gulf Cooperation Council states (gcc), specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These two leading gcc states now prioritise their own national interests by valuing multipolar partnerships, rather than solely relying on strong strategic ties with the West and US. The article aims to explore to what extent the war in Ukraine reveals a new phase in the power balance between the west and the Arab Gulf states. The initial outcomes of the war have already weakened Russia’s global status and forced Moscow to redirect its strategy towards the east, particularly China. This has also led to increased military cooperation between Russian and Iranian, as well as a rapprochement due to the weight of western economic sanctions imposed on both states. Concurrently, China’s significant role in world policy has become more evident through its direct political involvement in the restoration of Saudi-Iranian diplomatic relations, as seen in the agreement signed in Beijing on 10 March 2023. With the war in Ukraine significantly impacting the global energy market and regional power dynamics, the multipolar momentum gives the advantage to Gulf states that realise that this is an opportune time to capitalise on taking autonomous regional initiatives and fostering diversified partnerships from the west to the east.

Dried blood spot analysis for elements of nutritional concern as demonstrated in studies of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species)

BackgroundDried blood spot (DBS) technology is valuable in providing simple means of storing blood samples from wildlife with small blood volumes. Methods designed for heavy metal analysis on DBS become more useful if extended to elements of nutritional significance. Purpose(1) Development of procedures for measuring Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in DBS; (2) use the designed methods in health assessments of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species). ProceduresElements were measured by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following acid digestion of whole blood or DBS from the same animal for direct comparison. Study animals comprised free-ranging iguanas from separate islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Main FindingsDBS spikes (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo) demonstrated accuracy to ∼100 ppb; reporting limits were set there except for Fe and Zn which were set at 1000 ppb. Plasma samples – generally preferable for nutritional element diagnostics – were submitted from Galápagos land iguanas along with DBS as part of a large-scale health assessment. In plasma versus DBS concentration comparisons, Fe, Cu, Se and Mn correlated well with R^2 values of 0.799, 0.818, 0.896 and 0.899, respectively, and slopes ranging 0.88 – 1.3. Co and Zn showed greater scatter. Mo had insufficient points above its reporting limit and offered advantages for toxicity assessments. Bland-Altman diagrams showed flat scatter between 2x standard deviation boundaries with no undue trends except for Mn which had few points above its reporting limit. Bias, defined as the average difference [DBS – plasma] divided by the average value, was relatively low throughout, with values of − 19.3 % (Fe), − 48.7 % (Co), − 19.6 % (Cu), − 6.9 % (Zn), − 21.4 % (Se) and + 40.7 % (Mn). Normal distribution assessment of iguana Cu, Zn, Se and Fe plasma values showed unanticipated divergences between two species. ConclusionsThe DBS approach for nutritional element analysis offers a suitable methodology for determining crucial elements Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo in veterinary samples. Analyses of samples from Conolophus species revealed interesting divergences particularly for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, elements generally associated with defense against oxidative stress.

Unravelling the US-ROK Alliance: Decoding North Korea’s Strategy within the Six-Party Talks

Alliance formation is a calculated decision by parties to determine and affect the outcome of negotiations. Its success depends on several factors, most notably alliance members’ cohesion and convergence of common interests, objectives, and tactics. The focus here is on the United States and South Korea’s alliance during the Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme. Despite early progress in the alliance’s favour, the internal cohesion of the US-South Korea alliance was disrupted due to divergent interests, approaches, and positions regarding North Korea. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the US-ROK alliance’s impact on the Six-Party Talks. While previous studies have explored the negotiations, little attention has been given to the alliance’s role and how it evolved over time, especially in the context of North Korea’s manipulation and its consequences on negotiation outcomes. We assess the success of the alliance and its impact on the negotiation process, considering factors such as cohesion, common interests, objectives, and tactics. Our study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilising an extensive review of relevant literature, official documents, historical records, and primary sources from the Six-Party Talks. The findings underscore the importance of robust and well-coordinated alliances in addressing critical global security challenges. To achieve lasting success in future negotiations, it is imperative for allied parties to forge a shared understanding and strategic convergence in dealing with adversaries like North Korea. Moreover, this research calls for a re-evaluation of alliance dynamics and tactics to strengthen the collective resolve in pursuing international peace and security.

Unveiling environmental governance and political economy dynamics in rural plastic pollution management: a case study of Ogun State, Nigeria

Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern globally, with detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and socio-economic development. One way to a safer global environment is encouraging rural communities to manage solid waste and reduce plastic pollution. This study aims to explore the environmental governance and political economy of plastic pollution management in rural communities of Ogun State, Nigeria. By examining the interactions between governance structures, political actors, and socio-economic factors, the study seeks to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with plastic waste management in rural areas. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, to obtain comprehensive and detailed findings. The results of the study indicate divergent interests among stakeholders regarding the management of plastic pollution and environmental concerns in rural communities of the Ijebu region in Ogun State, Nigeria. The research emphasizes the importance of supporting community-led environmental initiatives that adhere to established environmental guidelines for effective solid waste management, with particular emphasis on plastic waste, in rural areas of Nigeria.

The West, Russia and China: Inheritance systems and ways of economic development

The current confrontation between Russia-China and the West requires a study of civilizational differences that determine national identities and attitudes towards social-economic values. This confrontation has deep cultural roots; thus, the Russian-Western intense rivalry in the 18th - 19th centuries was based on different perceptions of social reality, different value orientations and priorities in economy, politics and other spheres. Sociologists and social philosophers have studied factors that determined civilizational differences between non-Western and Western societies, namely the Russian world and the Anglo-Saxon world for decades, emphasizing their confessional differences, fundamentally divergent geopolitical interests, opposite political systems and so on. In the social-economic perspective, property rights are a significant basis of civilizational differences. The West has always considered its clear stand on property rights as the only possible. However, this position can be based on either economic considerations or moral criteria. Such differences are reflected in inheritance systems, although sociologists rarely focus on them. The division between heirs in equal parts complies with the moral standards of our society and is known as the path of ‘communal good’. Another way is to transfer the greater part of property to one member of the family in order to avoid its fragmentation, which is reasonable in the economic perspective but not always morally acceptable; this is the path known as ‘rational evil’. Thus, inheritance systems are among the most crucial civilizational differences between Russia and the West. The civilizational analysis is fundamentally important under the current confrontation between the West and Russia- China, and the position on private property and inheritance system determines civilizational differences. In Western Europe, the right of primogeniture was in force for a long time, and its cruel laws dictated that all real estate and most of the other property was inherited by the eldest son. This rule contributed to the earlу development of capitalism based on wage labor. On the contrary, in Russia, China and many other non-Western countries, the inheritance was divided among all children. Although it was disadvantageous for the social-economic development, it did not contradict conventional moral standards and did not destroy family relationships. In post-industrial societies, the institutional context has radically changed and the division of property among relatives does not

Dilemmas and Responses to Chinas Cross-border Digital Trade Rules under the Perspective of the Personal Information Protection Law of the Peoples Republic of China

The international community has not been able to reach agreement on digital trade rules due to the different choices of value positions and divergent economic interests. The chap-ter on "Rules on the cross-border provision of personal information" in the Personal In-formation Protection Law of the Republic of China provides the basic framework for re-stricting and regulating cross-border data flows in China. It reflects China's value orienta-tion of attaching importance to digital sovereignty and security. The country's determina-tion to further integrate into world trade and compete internationally for economic bene-fits and political status. However, the current rules in the Personal Information Protection Law still have unclear standards, excessive restrictions and conflicts with other laws and regulations. Due to the conservative values of China, there are many rules that are not compatible with the CPTPP rules. It is necessary to interpret Chapter 13 of the Personal Information Protection Law and the general rules, and complete the alignment of several laws and regulations based on the relationship between higher and lower laws and special and general laws. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to refine the specific standards for data flow in practice, so as to finally realize the alignment with the CPTPP.

A tactile twist: decoding the phenomena of mechanical itch and alloknesis.

Itch is a sensation in the skin which provokes the desire to scratch. In the past few decades there has been a significant elucidation of the immune and neural pathways which underly the sensation of itch. An interesting divergence in the itch pathway relates to the type of stimulation used to evoke an itchy sensation. Commonly, chemical mediators of itch such as histamine are injected into the skin where they activate their cognate receptors on sensory neurons. Another way to evoke itch, particularly in patients with chronic itch, is to use light mechanical stimulation. Investigation into these pathways utilizing the mouse model have shown that the neuronal pathways which underly chemical itch are distinct from those which mediate itch in response to mechanical stimulation. Specific populations of primary sensory neurons, spinal interneurons and transmission neurons have been identified which suggests a labeled line for itch transmission. Additionally, Piezo channels, which underly mechanosensation, were discovered to play an important role in the mechanical itch pathway. Given these novel findings relating to the mechanical itch pathway, the purpose of this review is to summarize the reports from human subjects and animal studies to highlight the advances in our understanding of mechanical itch and alloknesis.